Spring has arrived, and with it rhubarb and strawberries! This almond cake with a sweet marzipan base is complemented beautifully by a simple, tart compote. For Passover, simply substitute the flour with finely-ground matzo meal.

The method of cooking salmon on a cedar plank over an open flame goes way back. Soaking the plank first helps to ensure that the fish remains moist and tender, and it steams slowly, absorbing subtle smokiness from the wood itself, as well as any herbs or spices you use. This recipe is quite simple, calling for just some salt and pepper and optional dill and lemon.

With a pronounced berry finish balanced by a bitter undercurrent, blood oranges are a wonderful ingredient in baked goods. This easy pound cake is topped with a pink-flecked glaze that helps to keep it moist.

This chicken is cooked at 500℉ for about an hour, and is packed with flavorful garlic and citrus. Potatoes and carrots are roasted in the same pan as the chicken, so if you throw together a simple green salad while it’s in the oven, you have a filling, mostly hands-off meal.

This salad goes so nicely with so many meals, you might find yourself eating it every couple of days when blood oranges are in season. The bright pink color of the dressing is a welcome sight in the middle of winter, and the combination of crunchy, slightly bitter romaine with crisp hearts of palm and juicy blood oranges is one you won’t forget.

Congee, or Asian-style rice porridge, has many variations. This version uses brown rice instead of the typical white, and contains lots of fresh shiitake mushrooms, warm garlic and ginger, and greens. Serve with optional toppings (see the note at the bottom for some ideas) at the table, and you’ll have a comforting meal that will please everyone.

Cottage pie is a traditional Irish dish made with lamb and potatoes, much like shepherd’s pie. This vegetarian version is made with plenty of vegetables and lentils, simmered with fresh rosemary. It’s such a perfect dinner for a cold winter’s evening, don’t wait until St. Patrick’s Day to enjoy it.